. >> from the start, romney controlled the direction of the debate, aggressively pushing president obama on the economy, job creation, and health care. we're going to talk to top advisers about how their candidates faired just ahead. we're also going to talk with chris matthews who had very strong feelings about the debate. but we want to begin with chuck todd, chief white house correspondent in denver this morning. chuck, good morning to you. >> reporter: well, good morning, savannah. look, this may have been the most substantive debate in the television era. and mitt romney dealt with it as if his campaign depended on it while a subdued president obama let romney dictate the terms of the debate. not exactly the gift the president was looking for on his 20th wedding anniversary. >> and so i just want to wish, sweetie, you happy anniversary and let you know that a year from now we will not be celebrating it in front of 40 million people. >> reporter: from the very beginning, mitt romney displayed a confident and commanding presence on stage, almost one-upping the president from the start